The food export business in Nigeria is one of the most profitable opportunities in agriculture today. With a large Nigerian and African community abroad, the demand for homegrown products like palm oil, dried fish, crayfish, stockfish, garri, and spices continues to rise. If you want to earn foreign income and grow your agribusiness, learning how to start food export business in Nigeria is your first step toward success.
1️⃣ Identify the Right Food Products to Export
The first step in how to start food export business in Nigeria is choosing high-demand products for the global market. Some of the best-selling items include dried fish, catfish, stockfish, crayfish, palm oil, garri, yam flour, and spices. These products are highly demanded across Europe, the UK, the USA, and Canada by African food stores and restaurants.
2️⃣ Register Your Business and Get Export Documents
To legally run a food export business in Nigeria, you’ll need the following:
- CAC Certificate – Register your business name
- NEPC Export License – Nigeria Export Promotion Council registration
- NAFDAC Approval – Required for packaged or processed food
- Phytosanitary Certificate – For agricultural exports
- Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bilhttps://registration.nafdac.gov.ng/l of Lading
Smart Trade Logistic assists exporters in obtaining all export documents and ensures smooth processing at Nigerian ports.
3️⃣ Quality Products
Make sure you are selling the right quality of product
4️⃣ Package and Label for Export
Good packaging builds trust with buyers and helps your products meet international regulations. Use export-standard packaging that’s moisture-proof, properly sealed, and labeled with product name, weight, and country of origin. Smart Trade Logistic offers packaging guidance and ensures your goods are ready for export.
5️⃣ Find International Buyers
One of the most important parts of how to start food export business in Nigeria is finding real buyers. You can list your products on export websites like TradeWheel and Alibaba, network through export communities, or post your food products in our official Smart Trade Logistic Facebook group 👉 Join Here — and our team will connect you directly with verified international buyers.
This helps new exporters reach real customers faster and build long-term business relationships.
6️⃣ Choose the Right Shipping Method
When shipping food products abroad, the right logistics partner makes a big difference. Smart Trade Logistic offers:
- Air Cargo: Fast shipping (3–7 days) for small or perishable food items
- Sea Cargo: Cost-effective for bulk exports
- Door-to-door delivery to UK, USA, Canada, and Germany
- Customs clearance and export support.
💡 Smart Tip: Send to Trusted Friends Abroad
If you’re just starting, you can send your goods to trusted friends or family members abroad to help you sell and refund your money after sales. This strategy allows you to test international markets without taking major risks. Smart Trade Logistic can handle the pickup, documentation, and delivery of your goods to your friend’s location safely and efficiently.
🚢 Why Choose Smart Trade Logistic
✅ Registered logistics company in Lagos, Nigeria
✅ Air and sea cargo for food and agricultural exports
✅ Door-to-door delivery to Europe, the UK, USA, and Canada
✅ Supplier payment and buyer verification support
✅ Free exporter support via our verified Facebook group
📞 Contact Smart Trade Logistic
Start your food export business in Nigeria today with expert help from Smart Trade Logistic.
📧 Email: logistics@smarttadeltd.com
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +234 906 994 3188
🌍 Website: smarttradeltd.com